With the Russia-Ukraine war now in its fourth year, MINA ADEL looks at how Ukraine is rewriting air warfare and what a post-war Ukrainian Air Force may look like.

During October and November of 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) to acquire more than 200 Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen fighters. This marked a clear shift in the Ukrainian Air Force’s strategy – no longer focused solely on sustaining defensive operations, but now aiming to deliver powerful offensive strikes, establish credible deterrence and push Russian fighters back to give ground forces greater freedom of manoeuvre. The plan envisions a future force built around large numbers of modern aircraft, capable of sustaining high‑tempo operations and projecting air power more aggressively.

In parallel with efforts to renew Ukraine’s attack helicopter squadrons, the anticipated transfer of Australian Eurocopter Tiger helicopters could mark a significant upgrade. The Tigers would bring superior armament compared to the current Ukrainian Mi‑24 fleet, including advanced anti‑tank guided missiles such as HOT‑3 and Spike‑ER. They are also equipped with APKWS precision rockets, which would enhance Ukraine’s ability to intercept loitering suicide drones. This added capability could ease the burden on Ukrainian fighter squadrons and provide greater operational flexibility in countering Russian Shahed drones.

By contrast, the VKS faces the gradual erosion of their numerical and technological edge due to Western sanctions on aircraft components.